Nijgadh airport: 200000 trees to be cut down

athmandu, Sept 14 . At a time when there have been increasing voices for keeping environmental conservation at centre, the government is planning to construct the Nijgadh International Airport being sensitive to environment.

Though the airport has total 8,000 hectares of land, only 2,000 hectares will be used for the construction of its structures. The landmass is essential for the construction of well-equipped structures, including city around the airport.

The government is planning to develop Nijgadh as an international hub like Indira Gandhi International Airport. Preparation is being made to develop the hub as a transit for 22 neighbouring countries.

In this connection, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation said there was no truth behind the plan for cutting down over 700,000 trees in a way to degrade environment.

“Immediately it requires 2,000 hectares of land for the airport. Only 195,000 trees will be cut down. There is a plan to construct the airport by inflicting lesser harm to the environment. Creating rumour in the name of environmental degradation is in vain”.

Minister Adhikari further said greenery will be developed around the airport and all the works required to do for environmental protection will be carried out accordingly.